Sunday 10th November
Read 2 Samuel 13:37-39
“Absalom fled and went to Talmai son of Ammihud, the king of Geshur. But King David mourned many days for his son.
38 After Absalom fled and went to Geshur, he stayed there for three years. 39 And King David longed to go to Absalom, for he was consoled concerning Amnon’s death.” (NIVUK)
Absalom fleed. David mourned. It is not entirely clear for whom.
Absalom fleed to his maternal grandfather’s kingdom, east of Jerusalem. David’s inability to discipline his children continues. He does not seek Absalom out in Geshur or demand he return to face justice. He continued to mourn. Literally David mourned ‘all his days’ – in other words he never ceased mourning.
We were told details of David’s previous mourning, prior to his young son’s death, and his immediate acceptance upon the actual death of his son. Yet we read these verses, with their unending mourning, and wonder what has happened.
We can’t help but wonder how healthy this is. For David or for the kingdom.
